“Treat Williams was an incredible person. His talent was unparalleled,” Barry McPherson, Williams’ representative, disclosed to PEOPLE.
Veteran actor Treat Williams, best known for his roles in Hair and Everwood, has tragically passed away following a motorcycle mishap at the age of 71.
The sad news of Williams’ demise was reported to PEOPLE on Monday night by his agent Barry McPherson, who had been representing him for over a decade.
“He tragically lost his life this afternoon. While taking a turn, a car unexpectedly came into his path,” a heartbroken McPherson revealed. “It’s incredibly saddening. He was such a wonderful human being, incredibly gifted.”
“Truly a thespian in every sense. Directors cherished working with him. He had been a prominent figure in Hollywood since the late ’70s,” McPherson added. “He took immense pride in his work this year. He was delighted with the roles that I helped him secure. His career was well-rounded.”
Jacob Gribble, Dorset, Vermont’s fire chief, informed PEOPLE that the accident occurred on Monday, around 5 p.m., on Route 30 near Long Trail Auto, close to Dorset, Vermont.
According to Gribble, the mishap involved a car and Williams’ motorcycle. The investigators suspect that the car driver was making a turn and failed to notice the approaching motorcycle. Gribble stated that the motorcyclist was the only casualty and was airlifted to a New York hospital by a LifeNet helicopter.
The Manchester Fire Department prepared the landing zone for the helicopter, with the East Dorset Fire and Rupert Fire departments also responding to the emergency call.
The Vermont State Police later issued a statement on Monday, verifying Williams’ identity and the circumstances of the accident. They confirmed that the investigation is still in its preliminary phase, and the team will revisit the site on Tuesday, June 13, to further examine the scene.
Williams’ illustrious career began in 1975 with his cinematic debut in the suspenseful Deadly Hero. After this, he continued to bag various film roles, including appearances in The Ritz (1976) and The Eagle Has Landed.
In 1979, Williams’ career achieved new heights as he played George Berger in the film Hair, an adaptation of the Broadway musical. This performance led to his first Golden Globe nomination for new star of the year – actor. His superb performance in Prince of the City (1981) also earned him another Golden Globe nomination for best actor in a motion picture drama.
In 2002, he took on the primary role of Dr. Andrew “Andy” Brown in The WB’s Everwood. His portrayal of the character throughout all four seasons led to a SAG Award nomination for outstanding performance by a male actor in a drama series in 2003-04.
With a remarkable career spanning over forty years and more than 120 credits, Williams made memorable appearances in films such as Steven Spielberg’s 1941, Heart of Dixie and TV shows like Blue Bloods, The Late Shift, Chicago Fire, and Chesapeake Shores.
His other notable performances include roles in various Hallmark productions like The Christmas House, Beyond the Blackboard, Safe Harbor, and Chasing a Dream, along with Netflix’s Dolly Parton’s Christmas on the Square and The Noel Diary.
The actor is survived by his wife, actress Pam Van Sant, and their two children, Gill and Ellie.
